Faced with what appears to be the highest level of anti-US sentiment in Latin America in history, President Bush embarked on his longest trip ever to to the region. After what is perhaps the most important stop in Brazil, Bush will travel to Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico before returning to Washington.
Commenting on the trip, Bush said "This is a long trip and the reason why is I want to remind people throughout our neighborhood that America cares about them...And I bring a message of hope, a message that says we care about the human condition, and a message of accomplishment." Bush rightfully noted that he has increased aid to Latin America during his presidency, "and yet we don't get much credit for it." He went on to say that "I want the taxpayers, I want the American people to get credit for their generosity in Central and South America."
Arriving in Sao Paolo, Bush was greeted with major protests, but it seems imminent that a biofuels pact will be signed between the two countries. Ethanol powers eight out of 10 new cars in Brazil and, together with the US, Brazil produces about 70% of the world's ethanol - a bio-fuel made from sugar cane or corn.
Besides agreeing on economic deals, Bush says he's on a goodwill tour to talk about making sure the benefits of democracy — in the form of better housing, health care and education — are available to all Latin Americans, not just the wealthy. Highlighting such issues appears to be to counter Chavez's aid to the poor and staunchly anti-US Socialist rhetoric.
While Bush’s nemesis, Venezuelan President Chavez, is on his own tour of Latin America to counter Bush’s influence and having a much more receptive response, it appears that it will be the American president who will return home with something tangible, whereas his Venezuelan counterpart will have gained in esteem, but have little else to show for.
Commenting on the trip, Bush said "This is a long trip and the reason why is I want to remind people throughout our neighborhood that America cares about them...And I bring a message of hope, a message that says we care about the human condition, and a message of accomplishment." Bush rightfully noted that he has increased aid to Latin America during his presidency, "and yet we don't get much credit for it." He went on to say that "I want the taxpayers, I want the American people to get credit for their generosity in Central and South America."
Arriving in Sao Paolo, Bush was greeted with major protests, but it seems imminent that a biofuels pact will be signed between the two countries. Ethanol powers eight out of 10 new cars in Brazil and, together with the US, Brazil produces about 70% of the world's ethanol - a bio-fuel made from sugar cane or corn.
Besides agreeing on economic deals, Bush says he's on a goodwill tour to talk about making sure the benefits of democracy — in the form of better housing, health care and education — are available to all Latin Americans, not just the wealthy. Highlighting such issues appears to be to counter Chavez's aid to the poor and staunchly anti-US Socialist rhetoric.
While Bush’s nemesis, Venezuelan President Chavez, is on his own tour of Latin America to counter Bush’s influence and having a much more receptive response, it appears that it will be the American president who will return home with something tangible, whereas his Venezuelan counterpart will have gained in esteem, but have little else to show for.
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